Page 80 of Ice Me Baby

My dad's eyes widen as he shoves himself through the door. He jerks his hand out to Dean first. “It’s a pleasure to meet two of the men on the Washington Wraiths.”

Dean smiles as he shakes my father’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet our athletic therapist’s parents, sir.”

My dad waves a dismissive hand before turning to shake Mac’s hand. “No need for formality. I’m Johanthan Monroe, but you can call me John.”

My mother squeezes in front of my dad and smiles up at the guys. “I’m Katy Monroe, but you can call me Kate.”

A few moments of uncomfortable silence pass, though I’m not sure if I’m the only one who feels that way. Considering the soft smile on my mom's face and the admiration shining through my father's smile; I think it’s only me. I point inside of the house. “Could we possibly come inside?”

My mother gasps as she swats at my father. “Of course! Johnny, move out of the way so our daughter and her friends can come inside.”

I never thought the word ‘friends’ coming out of my mother's mouth could make me feel like I was sixteen all over again, nervous to invite new friends over. The moment we step inside,it’s like my father is a hawk, and he descends on the guys asking them non-stop questions about the season so far.

I shake my head with a smirk as I sit down beside my mom on the couch. The guys answer every question my dad throws at them with a chuckle or a smile. Mac must feel my eyes on him because he looks in my direction.

His wide smile turns soft as he gives me a little wave. I feel my cheeks heat as I can’t help but smile back and give him a small wave. The gesture catches Dean’s attention, and he gives me a wink before turning back to the conversation with my dad. I feel something poke my thigh, and I look over to find my mom smirking at me. She pulls back her foot and looks at the guys before focusing on me. “Is there something I should know, Iz?”

I bite my lip as I shrug. “We’re friends.”

She hums, but I’m not sure she believes me. “I’m sure. Do they know that?”

“Of course they do,” I huff out.

She lowers her voice to whisper, “I’m not so sure. They way they look at you says otherwise.” Something must change on my face because her teasing smile turns soft. “As long as you’re not lying to yourself, that’s all I care about. You look at them the same way they look at you.”

“And how's that?” I whisper.

She taps the corner of her eye before whispering back, “The eyes are the window to the soul”—she points to the guys before pointing back at me—“and your souls show me everything I need to know.” She presses a finger to her lips. “I won’t say anything, Iz.”

“Thank you.” My chest fills with love for my mother.

“Are you happy?” she asks quietly.

I shift my gaze from her over to my guys before meeting hers once more. “Yes.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

December is in full swing here in Washington. Today is my first game day off since the season started, and the wives have messaged me non-stop about the proper attire to wear to cheer on our boys. The knowing grins they’ve been giving me since the Fourth of July party makes me believe they know something is going on between Dean, Mac, and me. Though they haven’t said a word about it.

My phone rings, and I roll my eyes, but grin, when Cheryl’s name brightens the screen. That woman is dead set on dragging me along on their shenanigans for the day. “Hey Cheryl.”

“Girl! Where the hell are you?” she asks with a huff.

“I’m at my apartment. Where else would I be?”

She groans. “You agreed to go with us to find a jersey for the game tonight!”

I laugh as I slip on my tennis shoes. “I never said I would go with you.Youthreatened to paddle my ass if I didn’t go.”

She hums. “I did say that, didn’t I? Well, you already agreed to go.”

Shaking my head, I grab my coat and slip it on. “I’m almost finished getting ready. You don’t need to send in the cavalry.”

“You’ve got thirty seconds to get your ass out the door or I’m sending in Karen.” She laughs as she hangs up.

A snort leaves me as I grab my phone and purse before heading out. Locking the door behind me, I make my way downstairs before rushing to the parking lot.

Glancing around, I find Cheryl waving an arm out of her driver side window before rolling it back up. The rear door to the SUV opens, and Samantha hops out, though, I suppose it is more of a slip and slide down than a hop, from the seat with the size of her belly.

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